Baked Chili Mac with Beef and Franks

Looking for a hearty and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Baked Chili Mac with Beef and Franks recipe! Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 package franks, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping

Instructions:

• 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
• 2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Add in the franks, onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until vegetables are tender.
• 3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, elbow macaroni, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes.
• 4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
• 5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
• 6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 380
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 23g

Popular questions:

• Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe for a leaner option.

• Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

A: While beef broth adds depth of flavor, you can use vegetable broth as a suitable substitute if preferred.

• Q: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

A: Feel free to customize this recipe with additional vegetables like corn, peas, or zucchini.

• Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare this Baked Chili Mac in advance and reheat it in the oven before serving.

Helpful tips:

• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Top with sliced green onions for a pop of freshness.
• Use different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for variation.
• Add a can of kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.

Expert Secrets:

• Cook the ground beef until it’s well-browned for maximum flavor.
• Don’t overcook the elbow macaroni to avoid mushiness in the final dish.
• Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference.
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.